Analysis Tools Used to Evaluate Oxygen Hazards and the Oxygen Compatibility of Metals

Performing analyses of the fire hazards in oxygen systems is critical to avoiding fires. Over the years, several systematic approaches to analyzing fire hazards in oxygen systems have been proposed and analysis methodologies for oxygen systems have become more refined. Specific evaluation is performed on the compatibility of materials of construction, the presence of ignition mechanisms, and the effects that ignition or a fire would have on the component, system, and personnel. The authors of this paper routinely perform hazards analyses and failure analyses of oxygen systems for their clients and have applied new engineering technologies and materials test data to better understand, discern, and characterize oxygen fire hazards. This paper describes some of the new technologies and materials test data used and how they can be applied to evaluating the compatibility of metals in oxygen service, including three-dimensional component analysis; Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) flow modeling; metals flammability test data in static, flowing, and high-temperature oxygen; and metals ignition test data.

Author Title Analysis Tools Used to Evaluate Oxygen Hazards and the Oxygen Compatibility of MetalsSymposium Flammability and Sensitivity of Materials in Oxygen-Enriched Atmospheres, 2006-10-20Committee G04